Juvenile Chronic Arthritis is also known as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, Still's disease, juvenile arthritis, and juvenile chronic arthritis. It describes group of systemic inflammatory disorders that affect the joints of children under the age of 16 years. The three major classifications are:

• Pauciarticular onset: Four or less joints are involved. This is the most common type of JIA (about 50% of cases).

• Polyarticular onset: More than four joints are involved. This type of JIA accounts for 20% of cases in the UK.

• Systemic onset: This type of JIA affects the whole body and is associated with a fever and rash.

It is estimated to affect 1 per 1000 children. Pauciarticular and polyarticular disease occur more frequently in girls, while both sexes are affected with equal frequency in systemic onset disease.

If you suspect that your child has a form of juvenile arthritis, it is very important to take them to your doctor. The doctor may do a blood test to help him diagnose your child’s problem.

It is natural for your child to want to sit still if they are in pain. However, it is important to get the right balance between rest and exercise. A regular exercise programme is essential. Muscles must be kept strong and healthy so they can help support and protect joints. Hydrotherapy can be very beneficial and KidsPhysio can help you arrange this.

Your child's doctor and physiotherapist will advise you about sports restrictions. Some sports, especially impact sports, can be hazardous to weakened joints and bones.

KidsPhysio can provide an appropriate programme to manage your child’s arthritis. The physiotherapist will explain the importance of certain activities and recommend exercises suited to your child's specific condition. These may be range-of-motion exercises to restore flexibility in stiff, sore joints and other exercises to help build strength and endurance.